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word_n church_n true_a visible_a 12,702 5 9.3716 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A50245 An apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant, or, A discourse touching the covenant between God and men, and especially concerning church-covenant ... sent over in answer to Master Bernard, in the yeare 1639 ... Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.; Davenport, John, 1597-1670. 1643 (1643) Wing M1267; ESTC R180449 39,536 50

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separatist_n maintain_v it_o when_o doctor_n bancroft_n in_o a_o sermon_n at_o pauls-cross_n have_v avouch_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o other_o minister_n be_v by_o god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n odious_a affirm_v that_o aerius_n per●i●ting_v in_o it_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o heretic_n by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o martin_n and_o his_o companion_n do_v maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o aerius_n what_o say_v learned_a doctor_n reinolds_n hereunto_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o sir_n francis_n knoll_v who_o require_v he_o to_o show_v his_o judgement_n herein_o touch_v martin_n say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n behave_v himself_o otherwise_o then_o in_o discretion_n and_o charity_n he_o ought_v let_v the_o blame_n be_v lay_v where_o the_o fault_n be_v and_o defend_v he_o not_o but_o if_o by_o the_o way_n he_o utter_v a_o truth_n mingle_v with_o whatsoever_o else_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n 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promise_n a_o promise_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o join_n in_o covenant_n here_o a_o enter_n into_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 10._o solemn_a and_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o they_o say_v let_v we_o join_v second_o the_o object_n the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o likewise_o to_o one_o another_o for_o come_v let_v we_o join_v imply_v mutual_a consent_n together_o three_o the_o agent_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n christian_n not_o turk_n indian_n etc._n etc._n saint_n psal._n 50._o 5._o 16_o 17._o call_v to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a material_n for_o such_o a_o build_n as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o 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into_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n ver._n 12._o and_o therefore_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n this_o covenant_n be_v not_o like_o our_o church-covenant_n 1._o for_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o nation_n together_o whereas_o the_o church-covenant_n with_o we_o be_v of_o some_o select_a person_n leave_v out_o other_o 1._o this_o objection_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n answer_n but_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o formal_a cause_n thereof_o and_o for_o this_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o people_n come_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o church_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o people_n together_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o church_n be_v a_o national_a church_n now_o if_o a_o national_a church_n become_v a_o church_n by_o enter_v into_o 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covenant_n be_v make_v in_o the_o last_o month_n save_o one_o of_o the_o last_o of_o those_o forty_o year_n deut._n 1._o 3._o and_o their_o carcase_n fall_v not_o in_o the_o wilderness_n through_o unbelief_n as_o their_o father_n do_v num._n 14._o heb._n 3._o but_o enter_v by_o faith_n and_o when_o they_o be_v enter_v subdue_v kingdom_n by_o their_o faith_n heb._n 11._o 33._o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o outlive_v joshua_n josh._n 24._o 31._o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o they_o ver._n 4_o 5._o of_o this_o chap._n that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v etc._n etc._n that_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o harden_v in_o a_o carnal_a estate_n
be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o suppose_v saul_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n afore_o his_o conversion_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v after_o which_o be_v not_o unpossible_a nor_o unlikely_a yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o his_o conversion_n no_o nor_o of_o some_o time_n after_o though_o he_o may_v have_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o church-member_n there_o the_o member_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a church_n in_o london_n or_o other_o town_n in_o england_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english●congregations_n or_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o english_a be_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o dwell_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o the_o same_o s●recte_v of_o the_o same_o town_n town-dwelling_n will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o freeman_n of_o a_o company_n in_o london_n or_o some_o other_o corporation_n for_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o 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and_o governor_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v hereby_o make_v church-member_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o conversion_n nor_o love_a affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o meeting_n do_v join_v a_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o some_o man_n have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n and_o other_o be_v sometime_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o of_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o want_v sound_a conversion_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o sound_a conversion_n make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n that_o give_v he_o the_o being_n of_o a_o member_n but_o join_v do_v not_o always_o signify_v join_v in_o covenant_n 5._o philip_n join_v to_o the_o eunnuchs_n chariot_n and_o dust_n to_o man_n foot_n act._n 8._o 29._o and_o luke_n 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n the_o word_n indeed_o may_v express_v any_o close_a join_v answ._n whether_o natural_a as_o the_o branch_n be_v join_v to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o other_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o or_o when_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n do_v join_v piece_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n together_o to_o make_v one_o house_n neh._n 4._o 6._o ezr._n 4._o 12._o but_o be_v not_o only_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o when_o join_v be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o join_v wherein_o a_o man_n voluntary_o take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n there_o it_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n whether_o the_o relation_n be_v moral_a and_o civil_a or_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o voluntary_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v natural_a relation_n as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o these_o need_v no_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n there_o be_v also_o violent_a relation_n as_o between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n neither_o but_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o these_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v found_v therein_o whether_o they_o be_v moral_a and_o civil_a as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n pro._n 2._o 17._o between_o master_n and_o servant_n luk._n 15._o 15._o between_o prince_n and_o subject_a between_o partner_n in_o trade_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v bare_v such_o a_o share_n of_o charge_n and_o receive_v such_o a_o share_n of_o profit_n or_o religious_a as_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n all_o these_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o a_o woman_n as_o her_o husband_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o another_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o apprentice_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o into_o anybody_o corporate_a but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n if_o man_n be_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o incorporate_a a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o by_o mere_a hearty_a affection_n unless_o withal_o he_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o some_o contract_n or_o covenant_n now_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o body_n incorporate_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 7_o 8_o as_o a_o body_n incorporate_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v join_v unto_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n all_o voluntary_a relation_n 4._o all_o relation_n which_o be_v neither_o natural_a nor_o violent_a be_v enter_v into_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o he_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o relation_n therefore_o join_v to_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o five_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n which_o all_o church_n 5._o officer_n and_o member_n have_v over_o all_o their_o member_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o their_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o church_n have_v power_n over_o their_o member_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o suffer_v the_o incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o sa●an_a and_o cast_v he_o out_o from_o among_o they_o now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o room_n for_o they_o to_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v in_o other_o scripture_n also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 17._o psal._n 149._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n viz._n that_o then_o member_n do_v engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o such_o as_o have_v not_o engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n and_o commit_v power_n unto_o they_o by_o profess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v power_n and_o right_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n to_o who_o they_o commit_v their_o soul_n act._n 6._o and_o 1._o and_o 14_o 23._o where_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o import_v choose_v by_o election_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o translate_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n
etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o ministerial_a gift_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o minister_n to_o every_o church_n nor_o invest_v he_o with_o spiritual_a power_n over_o they_o nor_o though_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o unless_o they_o call_v he_o and_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o call_v and_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n so_o likewise_o to_o choose_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 1._o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o none_o can_v have_v power_n over_o they_o as_o officer_n and_o brethren_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v nor_o promise_v by_o any_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o lord_n second_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o church-power_n over_o such_o a_o man_n as_o never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o suppose_v to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a the_o man_n may_v protest_v against_o their_o act_n and_o their_o sentence_n as_o coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la and_o they_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o proceed_n if_o indeed_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n between_o he_o and_o they_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v sentence_n or_o censure_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o none_o of_o your_o church_n but_o of_o another_o church_n suppose_v in_o holland_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o only_o here_o now_o for_o merchandise_n sake_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n what_o shall_v they_o say_v to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n if_o there_o never_o pass_v any_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o but_o minister_n have_v power_n over_o the_o people_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n object_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o not_o by_o man_n engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n minister_n to_o such_o a_o people_n answer_n officer_n to_o such_o a_o church_n or_o make_v they_o sheep_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v it_o not_o those_o scripture_n that_o make_v every_o man_n a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n to_o a_o people_n unless_o they_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n and_o then_o in_o so_o do_v they_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o those_o scripture_n take_v hold_v on_o they_o one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n that_o give_v he_o power_n over_o she_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v people_n to_o obey_v their_o minister_n so_o it_o command_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n ephes._n 5._o 22._o and_o yet_o all_o man_n know_v a_o man_n can_v take_v this_o woman_n for_o his_o wife_n but_o by_o covenant_n so_o that_o if_o she_o once_o make_v herself_o a_o wife_n by_o her_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v on_o she_o and_o bind_v she_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n but_o if_o she_o have_v make_v no_o covenant_n the_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o she_o as_o her_o husband_n neither_o be_v she_o his_o wife_n so_o if_o man_n once_o make_v themselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o wo●d_fw-mi of_o god_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o member_n to_o their_o fellow-brethren_n and_o of_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o if_o they_o never_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n nor_o covenant_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o then_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n a_o six_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o member_n 6._o and_o not_o member_n if_o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o being_n of_o a_o member_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o some_o be_v within_o and_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n and_o other_o be_v without_o and_o may_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n that_o can_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o some_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o other_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o every_o approbation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o church_n not_o come_v into_o their_o assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v touch_v before_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v here_o the_o more_o brief_o pass_v over_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o particular_a concerning_o the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n tha●●t_v be_v by_o join_v therein_o that_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o remove_v sundry_a objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n against_o church-covenant_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_v to_o fu●ler_a satisfaction_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n church-covenant_n be_v a_o term_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o s●ripture_n 1._o first_o answer_n so_o be_v sacrament_n trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o those_o term_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v because_o the_o thing_n mean_v thereby_o be_v find_v second_o but_o see_v the_o covenant_n be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n as_o the_o two_o party_n that_o be_v confederate_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n covenant_n or_o the_o church-covenant_n as_o when_o mamre_n aver_n and_o eschol_n be_v confederate_a with_o abraham_n gen._n 14._o 13._o may_v not_o one_o true_o say_v abraham_n be_v confederate_a with_o they_o relative_n do_v mutual_o put_v and_o establish_v one_o another_o three_o the_o scripture_n allow_v both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o the_o church_n eze._n 16._o 8._o and_o the_o people_n covenant_n or_o saint_n covenant_n or_o church_n covenant_n with_o he_o deut._n 29._o 12._o psal._n 50._o 5._o ier._n 50._o 5._o four_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o both_o the_o word_n both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n because_o both_o be_v confederate_a and_o for_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n also_o viz._n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o covenant_n as_o a_o marriage-covenant_n pro._n 2._o 17._o and_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v thus_o call_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o that_o make_v it_o but_o also_o because_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o church-estate_n and_o church-duty_n the_o duty_n which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o unto_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v such_o especial_o as_o concern_v a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o but_o this_o church-covenant_n put_v some_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o which_o every_o believer_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o seem_v to_o charge_v the_o same_o with_o insufficiency_n for_o every_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a heb._n 8._o 7._o 1._o a_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a where_o answ._n the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o ●race_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v argue_v that_o righteousness_n and_o life_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n gal._n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 3._o 2._o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n that_o be_v renew_v or_o make_v again_o though_o upon_o a_o new_a occasion_n no_o
profess_v thereof_o outward_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o admit_n of_o they_o unto_o bapti●me_n now_o this_o word_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n ver._n 38._o 39_o and_o to_o obedience_n in_o sever_a themselves_o from_o other_o and_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o untoward_a generation_n ver._n 40._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o glad_o receive_v this_o word_n there_o be_v a_o open_a profess_n of_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n ver._n 40._o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o church-covenant_n yea_o and_o further_o their_o very_a preparation_n to_o this_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o that_o true_a compunction_n and_o sorrow_n of_o soul_n be_v also_o open_o make_v manifest_a ver._n 37._o but_o yet_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o long_a narration_n of_o every_o one_o several_o as_o now_o be_v use_v reply_n when_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o church-covenant_n when_o each_o one_o make_v a_o good_a long_a speech_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_a answ._n as_o be_v show_v before_o that_o they_o do_v open_o profess_v repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o difference_n in_o the_o length_n or_o largeness_n of_o their_o spe●ches_n in_o express_v of_o themselves_o that_o can_v make_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o thing_n majus_fw-la and_o minus_fw-la non_fw-la diversisicant_fw-la speciem_fw-la and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v brief_a because_o there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n they_o shall_v be_v long_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o their_o time_n and_o we_o first_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n present_a to_o hear_v their_o confession_n and_o to_o judge_v thereof_o who_o be_v man_n of_o very_o good_a discern_a and_o therefore_o brief_a express_v of_o man_n self_n may_v suffice_v whereas_o the_o best_a christian_n yea_o the_o best_a minister_n among_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o need_v more_o time_n for_o study_n and_o for_o preparation_n for_o our_o sermon_n then_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o we_o need_v more_o time_n to_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o man_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v add_v withal_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a christian_n man_n of_o such_o excellent_a discern_a be_v sometime_o deceive_v and_o can_v not_o always_o so_o discern_v but_o that_o some_o hypocrite_n will_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n do_v witness_n how_o much_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o day_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o try_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o they_o that_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n second_o their_o time_n also_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o their_o christianity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o excommunication_n ioh._n 9_o 22._o of_o imprisonment_n act._n 4._o 3._o and_o 5._o 18._o and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o to_o see_v man_n now_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v so_o hate_v and_o who_o himself_o but_o a_o while_n before_o be_v crucify_v this_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a matter_n and_o therefore_o in_o word_n man_n may_v be_v the_o brief_a when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o time_n in_o new_a england_n do_v not_o persecute_v christ_n and_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o countenance_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n now_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a in_o examination_n of_o man_n estate_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n esth._n 8._o 17._o but_o why_o be_v there_o so_o little_a proof_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 7._o 1._o suppose_v the_o new_a testament_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o answ._n yet_o it_o may_v have_v ground_n sufficient_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_a will_n in_o those_o day_n that_o a_o company_n shall_v become_v a_o church_n and_o particular_a person_n become_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o now_o likewise_o unless_o covenant_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n indeed_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n but_o be_v some_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o such_o case_n also_o a_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v necessary_a as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v any_o change_n or_o variation_n from_o what_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v national_a church_n but_o congregational_a and_o not_o one_o visible_a church_n but_o many_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v matter_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o those_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v warrant_n for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o so_o we_o have_v but_o for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o any_o levitical_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedagogy_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o give_v warrant_v for_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a as_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o 2._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o want_v good_a warrant_n for_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o 1._o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v it_o isa_n 56_o 6_o 7_o and_o 44_o 5._o and_o ier._n 50._o 5._o ez●k_n 20._o 37._o and_o in_o sundry_a other_o place_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o only_o let_v those_o word_n of_o isa._n 44._o 5._o be_v well_o consider_v and_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o solemn_o bind_v themselves_o by_o coven●nt_fw-la to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o surname_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o open_v profess_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o open_a bind_n of_o man_n self_n by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o need_v be_v more_o 2._o the_o apost●es_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v practise_v in_o heir_n day_n 〈◊〉_d how_o shall_v we_o understand_v that_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o breadth_n phil._n 1._o 5._o if_o this_o combine_n into_o church_n fellowship_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o yea_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v steadfast_o or_o as_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o may_v well_o be_v translate_v they_o strong_o do_v cleave_v together_o or_o hold_v together_o in_o such_o a_o fellowship_n which_o be_v not_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o sacrament_n no●_z prayer_n but_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o all_o these_o if_o this_o combine_v themselves_o into_o a_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o understand_v it_o nor_o what_o that_o fellowship_n shall_v mean_v if_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v particular_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o the_o fellowship_n in_o which_o they_o so_o steadfast_o cleave_v together_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o their_o come_n together_o to_o observe_v these_o say_a ordinance_n and_o their_o communion_n therein_o but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o fellowship_n mention_v among_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v not_o confound_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o by_o
doctrine_n be_v mean_v sacrament_n and_o by_o sacrament_n be_v mean_v prayer_n as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o fellowship_n be_v mean_v not●ing_v else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o if_o these_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_o name_v be_v distinct_a ordinance_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o fellowship_n be_v name_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n import_v something_o distinct_a from_o they_o all_o and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o they_o nor_o with_o any_o of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o other_o may_v be_v confound_v one_o with_o another_o and_o if_o so_o then_o as_o this_o fellowship_n may_v import_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o good_n one_o for_o the_o help_n of_o another_o so_o it_o must_v first_o of_o all_o imply_v a_o combine_n of_o themselves_o into_o church-state_n by_o mutual_a ag●eement_n consent_n or_o covenant_n furthermore_o when_o the_o apostle_n writ●th_v that_o by_o experience_n of_o the_o corinthian_n liberal_a contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a saint_n man_n glorify_v god_n for_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 9_o 13._o he_o plain_o employ_v thereby_o that_o the_o corinthian_n have_v make_v a_o profession_n or_o promise_n of_o such_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v comprehend_v this_o particular_a of_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o other_o thing_n and_o their_o liberal_a distribution_n which_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v look_v at_o as_o one_o point_n of_o their_o real_a performance_n of_o that_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v before_o profess_v and_o promise_v now_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o profess_v or_o promise_v of_o such_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o church-covenant_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o in_o argument_n 3._o that_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o join_v or_o assay_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 47._o and_o 5_o 13._o and_o 9_o 26._o be_v not_o expound_v according_a to_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o join_v if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v bear_v good_a witness_n unto_o church-covenant_n though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v speak_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 8._o and_o therefore_o the_o covenant_n be_v needl●sse_n this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o of_o the_o 32._o answ._n question_n where_o it_o be_v show_v at_o large_a that_o baptism_n ●s_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenan●_z between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o make_v the_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o always_o so_o much_o as_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v member_n this_o church-covenant_n be_v a_o late_a devise_n and_o be_v not_o know_v in_o ancient_a time_n 9_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v first_o answ._n true_a antiquity_n be_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n now_o sith_o church_n covenant_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o in_o this_o discourse_n it_o can_v be_v charge_v to_o want_v true_a antiquity_n when_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n with_o novelty_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o luther_n the_o orthodox_a be_v wont_a to_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v it_o be_v condemn_v for_o novelty_n and_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o best_a antiquity_n even_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n our_o faith_n say_v doctor_n white_n be_v in_o all_o point_n the_o same_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o say_v it_o come_v up_o but_o of_o late_a must_v first_o prove_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o hold_v their_o peace_n white_a way_n 44._o 1._o and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o church-covenant_n second_o and_o yet_o they_o that_o search_v the_o story_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o time_n and_o age_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n may_v find_v some_o testimony_n of_o church-covenant_n in_o those_o day_n for_o instance_n justine_n martyr_n in_o his_o apol._n 2._o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o general_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o time_n that_o never_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n nor_o his_o child_n neither_o but_o they_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v three_o question_n abrenuntio_n whereto_o he_o answer_v abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la whereto_o his_o answer_n be_v credo_fw-la and_o spondes_fw-la to_o which_o he_o answer_v spondeo_fw-la so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o open_a declaration_n of_o his_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o two_o first_o particular_n and_o a_o open_a bind_v himself_o by_o covenant_n or_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o three_o but_o much_o need_v not_o to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o point_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v scripture_n antiquity_n to_o be_v sufficient_a though_o after_o time_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v if_o church-covenant_n be_v so_o necessary_a than_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o no_o church_n 10._o for_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n they_o that_o have_v know_v those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o their_o writing_n answ._n and_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o synod_n and_o otherwise_o but_o also_o by_o live_v among_o they_o and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o their_o order_n do_v report_n otherwise_o of_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v combine_v together_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o another_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o manner_n use_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o child_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o en●ring_v into_o covenant_n cons●etum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetate●i●que_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la catecheticâ_fw-la profectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la a_o 〈◊〉_d fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la totâ_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publice_fw-la edant_fw-la p●r_n parent_n aut_fw-la qui_fw-la parentum_fw-la l●co_fw-la sunt_fw-la jussû_fw-fr ministri_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la 〈◊〉_d producti_fw-la quò●que_fw-la in_fw-la illa_fw-la confessione_fw-la per_fw-la dei_fw-la gratiam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d ac_fw-la juxta_fw-la illam_fw-la vitam_fw-la instituere_fw-la insuper_fw-la etiam_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la ultrò_fw-la ac_fw-la sponte_fw-la sua_fw-la subjicere_fw-la sese_fw-la velint_fw-la spondeant_fw-la atque_fw-la stipulentur_fw-la polit._n eccles._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o proficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o and_o if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n with_o child_n come_v to_o age_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n or_o more_o that_o the_o same_o course_n shall_v be_v hold_v with_o man_n of_o year_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o so_o
the_o same_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a confsederation_n have_v these_o word_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o combine_n of_o many_o church_n so_o may_v they_o be_v combine_v of_o many_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o illa_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o quam_fw-la in_fw-la symbolo_fw-la profit_fw-la nunc_fw-la apostolico_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la hic_fw-la requirit_fw-la and_o vult_fw-la quam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la membrorum_fw-la et_fw-la confoederationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v that_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n do_v require_v and_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o bind_n of_o they_o together_o by_o covenant_n polit._n eccles._n li._n 3_o c._n 8._o p._n 721._o to_o these_o testimony_n of_o z●pperus_n those_o word_n may_v be_v add_v of_o mr._n parker_n our_o own_o countryman_n a_o man_n of_o singular_a note_n for_o learning_n and_o holiness_n who_o also_o himself_o live_v sometime_o beyond_o sea_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o end_v his_o day_n so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o give_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o testimony_n he_o have_v so_o good_a mean_n full_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o those_o church_n now_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o solennis_n forma_fw-la absque_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la alicujus_fw-la communionem_fw-la nullus_fw-la ritè_fw-la recipitur_fw-la of_o a_o solemn_a form_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v right_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v these_o word_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la reformatarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la in_fw-la lapsis_fw-la restituendis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_fw-la extra●eis_fw-la imò_fw-la quibuscunque_fw-la recipiendis_fw-la qui_fw-la ad_fw-la habitandum_fw-la alicubi_fw-la con●ident_n etsi_fw-la fortè_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la illius_fw-la loci_fw-la quo_fw-la ante_fw-la commorabantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la hanc_fw-la formam_fw-la admissi_fw-la prius_fw-la fuerant_fw-la examinat_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la plebs_fw-la consentit_fw-la cuique_fw-la testes_fw-la vitae_fw-la suae_fw-la secum_fw-la adfert_fw-la vel_fw-la testimonia_fw-la saltem_fw-la publicatur_fw-la nomen_fw-la cujusque_fw-la competentis_fw-la pro_fw-la concione_fw-la admonetur_fw-la cuique_fw-la siquid_fw-la haebeat_fw-la quod_fw-la excipiat_fw-la ut_fw-la denunciet_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la si_fw-la nihil_fw-la contr●_z adferatur_fw-la admittitur_fw-la quidem_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la solerni_fw-la pactione_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la e●clesiâ_fw-la spondet_fw-la verò_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la se_fw-la ambulaturum_fw-la prout_fw-la sanctam_fw-la illam_fw-la communionem_fw-la decet_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la illius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la subjacere_fw-la velle_fw-la se_fw-la fratribus_fw-la illius_fw-la communionis_fw-la invigilaturum_fw-la juxta_fw-la christi_fw-la prae_fw-la ceptum_fw-la matth_n 18._o 17._o ut_fw-la pra-veniantur_fw-la sanenturque_fw-la seandala_fw-la and_o illi_fw-la ad_fw-la studium_fw-la bonorum_fw-la operum_fw-la provehantur_fw-la that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n not_o only_o in_o restore_v such_o as_o have_v fall_v but_o in_o admit_v of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o all_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o do_v sit_v down_o in_o any_o place_n for_o habitation_n though_o perhaps_o they_o have_v be_v former_o admit_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v forme●ly_o dwell_v the_o presbytery_n do_v examine_v the_o people_n do_v consent_n every_o man_n bring_v with_o he_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n or_o at_o leastwise_o testimony_n the_o name_n of_o each_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o member_n be_v publish_v in_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o be_v admonish_v if_o he_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o the_o party_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o presbytery_n if_o nothing_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o than_o indeed_o he_o be_v admit_v but_o yet_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o church_n he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v walk_v as_o become_v that_o holy_a fellowship_n that_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o that_o church_n that_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o 17._o that_o offence_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o heal_v etc._n etc._n polit._n eccles._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 16._o 4._o pag._n 171_o 172._o much_o more_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o that_o place_n allege_v sundry_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n of_o reform_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v determine_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o church_n but_o by_o this_o way_n of_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o other_o that_o have_v live_v among_o they_o may_v have_v be_v eye-witness_n that_o this_o be_v their_o usual_a practice_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n 11_o if_o church_n must_v be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n do_v not_o this_o doctrine_n blot_n out_o all_o those_o congregation_n out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o church_n for_o what_o ever_o covenant_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o other_o part_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o english_a have_v none_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o covenant_n in_o many_o of_o those_o congregation_n be_v more_o imp●●cite_a and_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v answ._n and_o what_o be_v amis●e_n in_o they_o in_o their_o material_n or_o in_o want_n of_o explicit_a combine_n of_o pure_a matter_n or_o in_o any_o of_o their_o way_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o defend_v yet_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o with_o master_n park●r_n polit._n eccl●s_v lib_n 3._o cap._n 16_o 1._o pag._n 167._o non_fw-fr ab●st_a ea_fw-la realis_fw-la et_fw-la substantialis_fw-la quanquam_fw-la mag_fw-la be_v quàm_fw-la par_fw-la erat_fw-la implicita_fw-la coitio_fw-la in_fw-la foedus_fw-la ●aque_fw-la voluntaria_fw-la professio_fw-la fidei_fw-la substantialis_fw-la quâ_fw-la deo_fw-la gratia_fw-la essentiam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la idque_fw-la visibilis_fw-la hacusque_fw-la sar●am_fw-la tectam_fw-la in_fw-la angli●_z conservavis_fw-la that_o be_v there_o want_v not_o that_o real_a and_o substantial_a come_n together_o or_o agree_v in_o covenant_n though_o more_o implicate_v then_o be_v meet_v and_o that_o substantial_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o england_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v utter_o without_o a_o covenant_n be_v these_o first_o because_o there_o we●e_n many_o christian_a church_n in_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o while_n after_o as_o m●ster_n fox_n show_v at_o large_a act._n and_o mon._n lib._n 2._o beginning_n pag_n 137_o where_o he_o report_v out_o of_o gildas_n that_o england_n receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o christ_n suffer_v and_o that_o joseph_n of_o arima●hea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o aposti●_z from_o france_n to_o england_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o and_o remain_v in_o england_n all_o his_o time_n and_o so_o he_o with_o his_o fellow_n lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n among_o the_o britain_n people_n and_o other_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n come_v afterward_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o increase_v it_o also_o the_o say_a master_n fox_n report_v out_o of_o tertullian_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o many_o nation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o britain_n yea_o into_o the_o wild_a place_n of_o britain_n which_o the_o roman_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o allege_v also_o out_o of_o nic●phorus_n that_o simon_n zelotes_n do_v spread_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o west_n ocean_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o into_o the_o isle_n of_o britain_n and_o sund●y_o other_o proof_n he_o there_o have_v for_o the_o same_o point_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n it_o be_v like_o that_o the_o english_a church_n be_v then_o constitute_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n because_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_v church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n before_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o christian_a congregation_n in_o england_n be_v in_o those_o time_n combine_v by_o covenant_n than_o eternity_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o interposition_n of_o many_o corruption_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o after_o time_n that_o can_v disannul_v the_o same_o except_o when_o man_n wil●ully_o break_v covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o
in_o their_o life_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v such_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o many_o thousand_o have_v be_v save_v therein_o and_o therefore_o assembly_n unite_v by_o covenant_n to_o observe_v this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a church_n when_o the_o assembly_n of_o papist_n and_o other_o may_v be_v false_a although_o they_o also_o be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n rise_v from_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o several_o profess_v and_o by_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o one_o be_v fundamental_o corrupt_a and_o consequent_o pernicious_a the_o other_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n orthodoxal_a and_o sound_a second_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v also_o which_o be_v intimate_v before_o that_o if_o fundamental_a corruption_n be_v profess_v in_o with_o impenitency_n and_o obstinacy_n than_o god_n may_v disannul_v the_o covenant_n on_o his_o part_n and_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o such_o a_o people_n iere._n 3._o 8._o now_o experience_n and_o the_o scripture_n also_o do_v witness_n of_o the_o jesuited_a and_o tr●nt-papists_n that_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n of_o worship_v devil_n and_o idol_n of_o gold_n etc._n etc._n neither_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n nor_o of_o their_o sorcery_n nor_o of_o their_o fornication_n nor_o of_o their_o theft_n rev._n 9_o 20_o 21._o but_o now_o for_o the_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n we_o hope_v that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o do_v not_o sin_v of_o obstinacy_n but_o of_o ignorance_n have_v not_o be_v convince_v and_o many_o of_o they_o never_o have_v have_v mean_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n remain_v among_o they_o may_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v church_n when_o it_o can_v stand_v the_o papist_n in_o like_o stead_n they_o be_v impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a which_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o parish_n altogether_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o nay_o rather_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n we_o may_v lament_v it_o with_o tear_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o member_n and_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o walk_n in_o many_o of_o those_o assembly_n there_o be_v find_v such_o apparent_a corruption_n as_o be_v just_o grievous_a to_o a_o godly_a soul_n that_o be_v enlighten_v to_o discern_v they_o and_o great_o displease_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o have_v need_n to_o be_v repent_v of_o betimes_o lest_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n remove_v the_o candlestick_n and_o unchurch_v they_o rev._n 2._o 5._o in_o a_o word_n the_o corruption_n remain_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n but_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v contain_v such_o wholesome_a doctrine_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o walk_v according_a thereunto_o in_o sincerity_n shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o persist_v in_o with_o obstinacy_n therefore_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o church_n remain_v but_o this_o opinion_n of_o church-covenant_n 12._o be_v hold_v by_o none_o but_o the_o brownist_n or_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v this_o ground_n can_v be_v make_v good_a answ._n that_o none_o but_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n be_v for_o church_n covenant_n for_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n general_o as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o objection_n the_o ten_o be_v for_o it_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o shall_v all_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o *_o separation_n brownist_n or_o maintain_v unlawful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n also_o master_n parker_n and_o doctor_n ames_n man_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n famous_a for_o holiness_n and_o learning_n and_o moderation_n both_o of_o they_o plead_v for_o church-covenant_n and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v brownist_n but_o bare_a witness_n against_o that_o rigid_a separation_n ●or_a doctor_n ames_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o medulla_fw-la theol_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o 14_o 15_o 17._o fideles_fw-la non_fw-la constitunt_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la particularem_fw-la quamvis_fw-la simul_fw-la forsan_fw-la plures_fw-la in_fw-la eodem_fw-la loco_fw-la conveniant_fw-la aut_fw-la vivre_fw-fr nisi_fw-la speciali_fw-la vinculo_fw-la intersese_fw-la conju●guntur_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v believer_n do_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o meet_v together_o and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o place_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o some_o special_a bond_n among_o themselves_o for_o so_o one_o church_n will_v many_o time_n be_v dissolve_v into_o many_o and_o many_o church_n confound_v into_o one_o now_o this_o bond_n be_v a_o covenant_n either_o express_v or_o implicit_a whereby_o believer_n do_v bind_v themselves_o particular_o to_o perform_v all_o such_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o mutual_o to_o one_o another_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n and_o their_o edification_n and_o thereupon_o no_o man_n be_v right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o stipulation_n or_o promise_n of_o obedience_n these_o word_n do_v plain_o and_o full_o show_v his_o judgement_n of_o church_n covenant_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v hold_v and_o practise_v in_o new-england_n at_o this_o day_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o that_o severity_n and_o rigidity_n of_o separation_n may_v be_v clear_v from_o sundry_a of_o his_o work_n wherein_o he_o plain_o and_o full_o bear_v witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o ceremony_n pag._n 207._o and_o in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n wherein_o he_o purposely_o and_o at_o large_a deal_v in_o this_o argument_n of_o separation_n sure_o it_o be_v master_n canne_n in_o his_o book_n wherein_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n do_v profess_o and_o express_o oppose_v himself_o against_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n which_o show_v how_o far_o the_o good_a doctor_n be_v from_o favour_v that_o way_n when_o they_o most_o zealous_o therein_o do_v count_v he_o to_o be_v a_o special_a opposite_a of_o they_o as_o indeed_o he_o be_v and_o for_o master_n parker_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v hear_v before_o in_o part_n where_o he_o so_o much_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o this_o point_n and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v see_v of_o his_o judgement_n herein_o in_o the_o sixteen_o chap._n of_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o p●lit_n ecclesiastica_fw-la and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o likewise_o lib_n 1._o c●p_n 13_o 14._o of_o the_o same_o treatise_n he_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n as_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o a_o admonition_n to_o the_o reader_n prefix_v before_o that_o book_n by_o ●_z r._n suo_fw-la suorumque_fw-la nomine_fw-la so_o that_o this_o assertion_n appear_v to_o be_v untrue_a wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o but_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n do_v approve_v of_o church-covenant_n as_o for_o the_o in●erence_n from_o this_o ground_n that_o therefore_o church-covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v plead_v for_o and_o pract●●ed_v by_o the_o separatist_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o separatist_n hold_v no_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o hold_v a_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o hold_v it_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o differ_v from_o they_o either_o of_o which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v if_o the_o papist_n hold_v sundry_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o trinity_n of_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v promise_v and_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o many_o such_o like_a must_v we_o deny_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o papist_n this_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n because_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o pharisee_n act._n 23._o 8._o and_o so_o we_o say_v of_o church-covenant_n hold_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n as_o also_o many_o other_o truth_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o no_o reason_n that_o truth_n shall_v be_v refuse_v because_o the_o